A Lancashire nature reserve’s plan for an extended overflow car park, upgraded café, play area and a host of other work has prompted worries about over-development and the impact on traffic.
Lancashire Wildlife Trust is seeking permission for various proposed work including a new sewerage system, viewing platforms and a natural play area at Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve in Holmeswood Road near Rufford, West Lancashire
Councillors on West Lancashire Council’s planning committee are to look at the application this Thursday, November 21. Local Conservative Councillor John Gordon has called in the application for scrutiny by the committee due to his concerns about so-called over-development and the impact it may have on nearby roads.
A report for councillors states the proposals include the erection of an agricultural building, installing a log-burning stove and pergola in the café, two new water viewing platforms, a second pergola, a bat roost and a yard fence.
Previous planning applications for the site have been approved over the years. Factors to consider include new development in the green belt, design, drainage and roads.
The report states: “The proposed development would be located he existing Mere Sands Nature Reserve which extends for an area of 42 hectares – around 100 acres.
"The nature reserve is a popular visitor location and offers a range of recreational walking trails and educational activities, forming part of The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
"A storage building is to be erected in the existing storage area. There are other buildings immediately adjacent such as the wood shed, workshop and shipping containers.
"It is considered that due to the surrounding development and the location within the existing workshop area, the new proposed building will not encroach on unbuilt areas and will not have a detrimental impact on the openness of the green belt.
“Concerns have been raised about over-development. While the proposed site is located within the green belt, the works are focused to the existing areas of built development or within the wider site.
"It is not considered that harm to the openness would arise nor is it considered that they are of a scale that would represent over-development.”
It adds: “The works proposed are to support the nature reserve and the costs with running it.
"The plans will also aid the visitor experience which, overall, supports the conservation and maintenance work.”
Planning officers are recommending councillors on the committee to approve the application with various conditions, and councillors will make a decision when they meet on Thursday.
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